Moving to a different state can be fun, but you need to plan a lot. In many cases, you need to safely move your car as well and for this, many people hire a shipping company to take care of this part of the move.
This is a smart choice, but only if you avoid some common mistakes which can be costly mistakes. For instance, some people fail to use FMCSA compliant carriers, which can lead to all sorts of issues. Therefore, to ensure you don’t encounter issues during your move, here are 7 mistakes to avoid when shipping your car.
1. Picking Just Any Shipping Company
Not every company that ships cars is good. Some don’t have enough experience or don’t know how to treat customers well. Some others may offer low prices only to end up cutting corners that will cost you in the long run.
A good company will have the proper licenses, good reviews, and reasonable prices. They should be easy to get in touch with and ready to answer your questions. In addition, you should feel free to ask them anything about the process.
Before you choose a business, read online reviews and make sure they follow FMCSA rules. You can check this by visiting the FMCSA’s website. You can avoid scams and shady shippers by following this step.
2. Not Booking Early
Waiting too long to book is a mistake many people make. During busy periods, the best companies get booked quickly. This is usually the case during summer and holidays. Therefore, you should make your booking at least one month ahead of time if you want to ship your vehicle.
This affords you more options and you can even get a better price deal. On the other hand, when you book at the last minute, you may have to pay more or choose from fewer available dates. Also, if you wait too long, you may have to settle for a less trusted company. You can compare deals and choose the best shipper for your needs if you plan ahead.
3. Forgetting to Ask About Insurance
Don’t just assume that a business has insurance; make sure they do. If they don’t, you might have to pay for any damage yourself. Insurance is important because even good companies can have accidents. Before you agree to anything, ask to see their Certificate of Insurance (COI). You can visit https://www.financestrategists.com/ to learn more about a certificate of insurance.
Make sure that the policy covers any damages that may happen while the vehicle is being shipped. You want this coverage in case the vehicle is stolen, burned, or damaged while it’s being moved. Look for another company if one says it doesn’t have insurance or won’t show you proof. You shouldn’t take the chance of having to deal with expensive repairs by yourself.
4. Leaving Personal Items in the Car
Leaving bags or electronics in the vehicle might seem like a good idea, but it’s not. These things aren’t insured, and they may shift around or break while being shipped. Carriers stop often, and that can attract thieves if they see things inside your car. Besides, these items can move around and damage the inside of your car, even if nothing is stolen.
That could lead to problems during inspection. Most companies won’t pay for things that get lost or broken inside the vehicle. So, take everything out before you ship it. Always double-check the trunk, glove box, and seat pockets before handing off your car.
5. Not Having the Right Documents
You must prove that you own your car to ship it. You may be required to show ID and other papers. The company might not be able to properly ship your vehicle without these.
So, find out from the shipping company what paperwork they need. Common requirements include a driver’s license, vehicle title, and proof of insurance. Some businesses may also need proof that you made the booking.
Someone else must also bring ID if they are picking up the vehicle for you. Shipment can be delayed if the right papers are not made available. Therefore, get everything ready before the pickup day.
6. Not Getting the Car Ready
Before the pickup day, your vehicle must be clean and ready. You can read this article to learn how to wash your car yourself. When your vehicle is clean, it helps the shipping company do a full inspection. Dirt or mud can hide dents or scratches that need to be noted before the vehicle is shipped.
If the car is too dirty, it may be impossible to see if there’s already any damages on the car, and that could cause problems later. This is why some of them don’t take the car until it’s been cleaned. Another thing you need to do is ensure tire pressure is okay and the battery works fine. This is important because the whole process could be held up if the car won’t start or move.
Here are other things to do to get your vehicle ready for shipping:
- Take off any toll tags or alarms that are on the car.
- Turn off or disable alarms.
- Take pictures of the car from every angle.
- Check for leaks or low fluid levels.
- Make sure the gas tank is only three-quarters full.
7. Not Checking the Company’s Track Record
Some companies might seem nice at first but have a history of poor service. A flashy website doesn’t always mean good service. Therefore, you need to do due diligence. After all, you don’t want to do business with a company that breaks its promises.
So, you should check review sites like Yelp, Google, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see what customers say about them. Pay attention to how the business handles complaints. If a business doesn’t care about its customers, it probably won’t treat you better.
Find out if they’ve shipped to your area before. A company that is familiar with your area will be able to navigate issues that could cause delays. Do your best to ensure you work with only reputable and trusted businesses.
Conclusion
Shipping your car doesn’t have to be a headache. You can save money and stress by not making the common mistakes discussed in this article. Take time to choose the right company and prepare everything ahead of time. Ask questions, get proof of insurance, and make sure your car is ready.